it takes two...

Let's say that you and I get in a heated argument, and eventually we both lose our tempers. As I stomp out of the room, just before I slam the door, I tell you that I'm taking your name off my Christmas-card list.

Now let's say that you respond by stomping your own foot, and saying that you are still on my Christmas-card list.

(I don't really act that way. Neither do you. We're just pretending.)

You lose that argument, right? I'm the one who maintains my Christmas-card list. If I say you're not on it, then you're not on it. It doesn't matter whether or not you "accept" my decision.

According to a AP news report, Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo has rejected the Vatican's announcement that he is excommunicated. Excommunication is, to put it mildly, a more serious thing than being stricken from someone's Christmas-card list. But there's a logical principle in play here, which even a reporter for a secular news outlet should understand.

When the Vatican announces that someone is excommunicated-- in this case, Archbishop Milingo-- what it means is that the Holy See will no longer share communion with him. It doesn't matter whether or not he "accepts" that ruling. He's free to show up in Rome, looking for acknowledgment of his ecclesial status. But he won't get it-- any more than you'll get a Christmas card from me after our fight.

That's not so hard to understand, is it? Now try to explain to the editor of your local paper. Good luck.

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He should have been kept in the mental sanitarium under lock and key. The man is crazy as a loon!It would have been the Chriatian thing to do.

Posted by: -
Sep. 28, 2006 12:26 PM ET USA

The Vatican needs to hire Donald Trump - YOUR FIRED!
(..and if you don't repent you are in grave danger of being "fired" in hell)

Posted by: Canismater -
Sep. 28, 2006 7:12 AM ET USA

I think not, therefore I am not excommunicated.
It's even worse. Milingo was told, even if that was only way back in the seminary but I'm sure many times since, that if he were to do what he has done he would remove himself from communion with the Church. He also knew the Church would have to formally recognize his self removal so everyone else would know. It is absurd to then deny any acts of breaking communion after you have broken communion. Unless you have help from the media, I guess.

Posted by: parochus -
Sep. 28, 2006 1:38 AM ET USA

Somebody needs to show Milingo the goad, so he can stop kicking Holy Mother Church.

Posted by: Vincit omnia amor -
Sep. 27, 2006 9:31 PM ET USA

was it just by chance the link is to KRISTV in CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas?
you're something else!
(wonder when the men in white suits will come & carry Milingo away?! that man is crazy!)